Outrage as Nasarawa LG imposes N30,000 levy for COVID-19 decontamination

Outrage has greeted a proposal by authorities of Karu LGA in Nasarawa State to charge a N30,000 levy on businesses for carrying out a decontamination exercise in business.

The proposal has been greeted with indignation by business owners who said instead of bringing succor to their businesses affected by the lockdown, the government has decided to make money out of them.

Hotels, poultry farms and businesses which receive members of the public are cited in the circular dated May 18, 2020, distributed by the authorities of Karu Local Government Area of the state.

READ: Nasarawa lifts ban on worship centres

“The council chairman has directed that all business premises accessed by members of the public be immediately decontaminated before they are reopened to the public.

In line with the directive, your organisation is hereby requested to within two (2) days from the date of this notice decontaminate your premises for a prescribed fee of N30,000 in accordance with Karu Local government Council bye-laws (2018).

“You are advised to comply with the time specified above in the interest of public health and to prevent the further spread of Covid-19,” the notice said.

When contacted, the Chairman of Karu Local Government Area (LGA), Mr. Samuel Gajere Akala debunked claims that the Council is charging money for decontamination of business premises.

He said, “I am not aware of any letter demanding business operators to pay any form of payment for decontamination of their premises, but we have been advising them to decontaminate for the overall health benefits.”